A husband, father and grandfather, Filiberto found himself helping his son Rey raise his two boys. But with the passing of time and this newly added responsibility, Filiberto began to need some help of his own.

It is easy to see the joy in Lila’s eyes. “She is my little piece of sunshine,” Marcella will say to anyone who meets her and her daughter – but life has not always been easy for them.

Finances are just one of the many struggles veterans face upon return to civilian life. Discover how Derek overcame his challenges with the help of United Way Mission United, a program dedicated to serving veterans and their families.

Facing financial hardships as a recently laid-off single mom, Claudia turned to United Way Miami for support. Their funded programs helped cover bills and provide for her family during unexpected unemployment and underemployment.

After retiring from the US Marine Corps, single mom Anna started a consulting business but faced financial instability. United Way Miami transformed her life through a financial coach and support, enabling her to expand her business, secure a stable income and save for her children’s future.

Dearie, a military veteran and single mother, faced challenges balancing her family’s financial responsibilities while pursuing a nursing degree. United Way Miami stepped in, empowering her with resources like Early Head Start, MISSION UNITED and coaching at the United Way Center for Financial Stability.

She has achieved personal triumph. Despite spending the majority of her childhood homeless, Jessica found a way to avoid temptation and pave a new path to a secure future—thanks to Publix and support from her neighbors. 

At 91 years old, Mary refuses to “feel invisible”. Mary is determined to live a fulfilling, independent life and age with a little dignity… and a lot of fun!

In the midst of a heated dispute with his landlord, United Way Mission United helped former U.S. Navy sailor receive legal services, getting his family of five out of a bad situation.

As the child of a single mom who struggled to make ends meet, the Hialeah High School student with a passion for music, spent many of his formative years moving from home to home.

With no relatives in Florida, United Way programs act as extended family for Nicole and her children.

Sharron doesn’t mentor young people like Dillon to escape distressed neighborhoods. She teaches them to come back and help.

Being diagnosed with retinoblastoma and losing his vision as a toddler has not stopped Silvio from thriving into an optimistic 8th grader with a passion for learning and love of music and singing.

At 102 years of age, still dancing, making friends and having a great time. See how.

“There’s so many stories of folks overcoming hardship, that I think that’s the thing that sticks with me the most.” — Alexandra Hernández, United Way Center for Financial Stability.

In one of Miami’s toughest neighborhoods to grow up in, Tina helps youngsters overcome some of the very same obstacles she was fortunate enough to conquer.